Gianina van Groningen, a 31-year-old former rower, recently opened up about her life and career during an appearance on the show “La feminin.” She shared both the beautiful moments and the challenging times she has faced.
Known as Gianina Beleagă, she won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in double sculls, alongside Ionela Cozmiuc. A two-time world champion, her accolades also include gold, silver, and bronze medals from European Championships.
Her career is nothing short of a dramatic story, as she is also passionate about acting and is taking courses in that field. After retiring from rowing at 27, she returned just ten months later aiming for an Olympic medal—and succeeded.
Before achieving this medal, Gianina faced numerous hurdles, including injuries, the loss of her mother, and an internal struggle with herself. She discussed these sacrifices in an interview with Gazeta Sporturilor.
– How have you been occupying your time lately? – It has truly been a chaotic year for many reasons. I also gave birth; my daughter recently turned one. Above all, she is now my main priority. I’ve been engaging in various activities on the side, including taking up acting. It’s amateur theater, but I enjoy it and put a lot of energy into it. Time flies.
– How do you feel about being a full-time mom? – Now things are more balanced. After a year of figuring it all out, I understand better what to do and how to manage this role. However, the first few months were a huge challenge, and it was completely unpredictable. Initially, I thought it would never get easier. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. There were nights when I felt preparing for the Olympics was easier than being a mother. Yet, when you see your baby smile, especially now that she shows me affection, there’s nothing that compares.
Childhood Memories
– You come from a beautiful area in Romania, Bucovina. What was your childhood like? – I grew up in Valea Moldovei near Gura Humorului until I started sports at age 13. My childhood was different from my daughter’s because my parents divorced, and I stayed with my mother and two older sisters. My mother worked, so we stayed with our grandparents. I had to learn to take care of myself from a young age. It was a difficult childhood in many ways, but it shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, which is crucial in sports.
– How was your relationship with your sisters? – They are significantly older than me, by 8 and 9 years, so I spent little time with them after I left for sports. I remember playing games with them, and we often reminisce about our childhood. We have a good friendship now, even though I see them less often. Since becoming a mother, I feel they understand me better as they each have two kids.
– What is your fondest childhood memory? – Christmases. I still feel that childhood excitement when Santa arrives. My mother made the holiday spirit alive in our home. She would fetch a tree from the forest, and the smell of oranges filled the air. Those winter periods were the happiest for me. Ironically, after starting sports, I began to dread winter due to the intense training camps.
Path to Rowing
– How did you transition to rowing at age 13? – Before I was 13, I started thinking about my future and what high school to attend. I began athletics, inspired by my sports teacher. I wanted to excel in sports to apply to the Military High School in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, feeling limited in my small town.
– Did you feel trapped? – Yes, I craved more opportunities for myself and began training. Eventually, junior coaches came to school to scout talent. I was lucky to have heard of rowing from an older girl from my village who had pursued it. After some assessments, I was invited to join a sports club in Fălticeni. Within a week, I made the life-altering decision to join rowing.
– What was your first experience with rowing like? – Adapting to a new school and city was tough initially, and I was placed with other athletes. However, I adjusted quickly. Rowing’s strict regimen, including early training schedules, made it challenging but rewarding.
– What did you love about rowing? – The ability to see my progress motivated me. I had moments when I wanted to quit but stayed committed after winning my first senior world title in 2017. I began viewing myself as competitive with top rowers from other nations.
– When did you realize you could achieve greatness? – It became clear after my first world title in 2017. Despite qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics, I still doubted my capabilities compared to seasoned competitors.
– Do you remember your first junior medal? – It was at the Balkan Championship in 2011 in Istanbul, where I participated as a reserve. The conditions were tough, but I managed to pull through and win a medal.
Retirement and Return
– You retired at 27 in 2022. How difficult was that decision? – It wasn’t so much the decision itself that was hard, but the journey that led me there. I had reached a point where I no longer enjoyed rowing, especially after my mother’s passing. I had been pouring all my energy into training until I became physically drained and emotionally overwhelmed.
– Did you feel something was missing? – Yes, and I took time off to focus on my well-being and explore other career paths. I enjoyed volunteering at the Romanian Olympic Committee and learned about the sport’s administrative side, which deepened my appreciation for those working behind the scenes. This experience helped me recognize that I wanted to return to rowing.
– What prompted your comeback? – While reviewing the European Championships, I realized I wanted to compete again. I had a fleeting thought about returning to the boat, and after discussing it with colleagues, they encouraged me. I reached out to coach Elisabeta Lipă, and before I knew it, I was back in training.
– You aimed for the Paris Olympics. Was it just for that? – Yes, I was determined to compete solely for Paris.
– How did it feel to win the silver medal there? – It was surreal. The race was a culmination of my hard work and dedication. The emotions on the podium, recognizing my family and friends in the audience, made it unforgettable.
– Did you feel the gold was within reach? – It’s a complex answer. We had chances based on our previous performances, but ultimately, we did our best on that day. The competition level was high, and we were satisfied with our performance.
– Did discussions with Ionela Cozmiuc influence your return? – Ionela continued her career independently, and we have mutual respect for each other’s dedication. I trusted her instinctively during our races together.
– Do you think your achievements from Tokyo were left incomplete? – Yes, I often wondered what it would have been like to compete in Paris. Winning a medal provided closure for me.
– Can you share your medal’s significance? – The medal is a reminder of the journey, sacrifices, and hard work that I put into my sport. It represents not just victory but also lessons learned along the way.
– What led to your final retirement after Paris? – This time felt different; I left feeling content with my accomplishments. I had achieved my goal and was ready to pursue new priorities in my life.
– What sacrifices did you make along the way? – Distance from family was challenging, alongside the physical and mental strain of the sport. Injury setbacks were particularly frustrating as they hindered my ability to compete.
– Is rowing one of the hardest sports? – Yes, it demands both endurance and explosiveness and requires rigorous dedication. The training and winter camps are particularly grueling but also rewarding.
– How do you stay fit now? – I engage in lighter workouts for personal well-being and to keep up with my daughter, Sophie. Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial, and I continue to prioritize health.
– Have you ventured into acting? – Yes, following retirement, I pursued acting, which has been a refreshing and fulfilling challenge. I’m currently involved in several theater projects and enjoy the creative process.
– What role does your husband play in your acting pursuits? – He has been supportive throughout my endeavors, ensuring I can pursue my passions while managing family responsibilities.
– How did you meet your husband? – We connected on Instagram and developed a friendship over time. Our bond deepened amid shared interests, leading to a natural relationship.
– Do you hope your daughter will follow in your athletic footsteps? – I will encourage her to participate in sports, but ultimately, the choice is hers. I want her to find fulfillment in whatever path she chooses.
– As a final thought, what would you like people to remember about you? – I want to be remembered as Gianina, the one who continuously reinvents herself.
